The associations called on politicians to implement the reform quickly. track access fee systems and introduce effective short-term mitigation measures, warning that the draft federal budget for 2027 will further increase pressure by reducing subsidies for track access fees by 65 million euros.
Industry demands predictable fees for access to railway tracks
Associations have stated that the rising costs of the railway network affect both railway operators and industrial companies, while persistent quality problems, Delays and unreliability of the railway network further complicate freight transportation.
They argued that additional increases in railway access fees are no longer sustainable in the current market conditions, and stressed that the lack of predictability in future fees creates particular difficulties for investment planning and long-term logistical decisions.
German associations are seeking reform of the railway toll system
According to the statement, a comprehensive reform of the railway access fee system is required to ensure long-term, predictable and reliable development of payments. and a fair distribution of costs between passenger and freight rail transportation. The associations also called for legal safeguards to increase price predictability and stressed that any increase in fees should be accompanied by measurable improvements in the quality and efficiency of the railway network.
The organizations said that the initial measures should take effect after the timetable change in December 2026. They called for the continuation of cost-effective subsidies for railway access fees, at least at current levels, and opposed any additional financial burden, including higher fees for heavy freight trains or transportation.
